US20160198871A1 - Picture hanger and methods of use - Google Patents
Picture hanger and methods of use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160198871A1 US20160198871A1 US14/994,345 US201614994345A US2016198871A1 US 20160198871 A1 US20160198871 A1 US 20160198871A1 US 201614994345 A US201614994345 A US 201614994345A US 2016198871 A1 US2016198871 A1 US 2016198871A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- front side
- wire
- picture
- slot
- degrees
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
- A47G1/16—Devices for hanging or supporting pictures, mirrors, or the like
- A47G1/1633—Wall members for connection to a conventional picture
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
- A47G1/16—Devices for hanging or supporting pictures, mirrors, or the like
- A47G1/20—Picture hooks; X-hooks
Definitions
- the following disclosure relates to apparatus for hanging a picture or similar object on a wall and methods of using same, and in particular, to apparatus for hanging an object suspended by a wire or cord fastened to the object and extending across at least a portion of the back side of the object.
- slack and/or elasticity in the picture hanging wire may result in the picture hanging on the wall at a vertical position that is not the desired vertical position.
- the conventional nail or picture hook must be removed from the wall and refastened at a new position estimated to produce the desired vertical position for the picture.
- Each change of position for the nail/hook leaves an unsightly hole in the wall that must be repaired.
- the change of position of the nail/hook on the wall is not correctly estimated, then the picture will still not hang at the desired vertical position.
- the nail/hook removal and refastening procedure must then be repeated again and again until the desired vertical position of the picture is achieved.
- the length of the picture hanging wire can be changed (i.e., to increase/decrease the amount of slack) to change the vertical position of the hanging picture.
- multiple changes to the length of the picture hanging wire are often required.
- a second nail or picture hook may be fastened to the wall a short horizontal distance from the first nail/hook, and the picture hanging wire draped across both nails/hooks.
- two nail/hooks will allow the horizontal position of the picture to be moved a short distance without tilting, it greatly complicates the task of adjusting the vertical position, if necessary.
- a hanger apparatus for hanging a picture assembly on a wall, wherein the picture assembly includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side and a picture hanging wire fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side.
- the hanger apparatus comprises a body defining a front side and a back side that both extend between a top edge and a bottom edge, and two spaced-apart lateral sides that each extend between the front side and the back side.
- the front side of the body includes an upper portion disposed adjacent to the top edge of the body, a lower portion disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and a middle portion disposed therebetween.
- the back side of the body defines a backplane for positioning against a wall, a vertical axis extending along the backplane between the top edge and the bottom edge of the body, and a horizontal axis extending along the backplane between the two lateral sides of the body.
- the body further defines at least one hole extending along a hole axis from a first position on the upper portion of the front side to a second position on the back side, the hole axis being inclined toward the bottom edge as the hole axis extends from the front side toward the back side to form a first angle ⁇ 1 with the backplane, the first angle ⁇ 1 , when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees.
- the body further defines a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots, each wire-receiving slot extending horizontally through both sidewalls across the middle portion of the front side of the body.
- Each wire-receiving slot further has a slot floor disposed at the bottom thereof and a slot roof disposed at the top thereof, the slot floor being inclined toward the bottom edge as the slot floor extends from the front side toward the back side such that a line extending from the slot floor forms a second angle ⁇ 2 with the backplane, the second angle ⁇ 2 , when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees.
- Each wire-receiving slot further has a front side vertical width measured vertically between the slot roof and the slot floor that is sized to allow a picture hanging wire to be inserted into the wire-receiving slot from the front side.
- a method for hanging a picture assembly on a wall wherein the picture assembly includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side and a picture hanging wire fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side.
- the method comprises the following steps. First, providing a hanger apparatus including a body with a plurality of horizontally oriented slots as described herein. Next, attaching the hanger apparatus to a wall using a nail passing from the front side along the hole axis through the hole and into the wall. Next, aligning at least a portion of the picture hanging wire of the picture assembly with a selected one of the plurality of wire-receiving slots of the hanger apparatus. Next, moving the aligned portion of the picture hanging wire of the picture assembly rearward into the selected one of the plurality of wire-receiving slots.
- Wide surface allows picture wire or bracket to slide horizontally to allow easy side-to-side adjustability.
- Body tapered front to back, top to bottom to provide additional leverage and strength.
- Tapered top allows nail holes to be at optimum angle to ensure maximum strength.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a picture hanger in accordance with one aspect
- FIGS. 2 a , 2 b and 2 c are, respectively, top, side and front views of a preferred embodiment of the picture hanger of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are, respectively, front and back perspective views of a picture hanger apparatus in accordance with another aspect
- FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are, respectively, front and side views of a preferred embodiment of the picture hanger of FIGS. 3 a and 3 b;
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are, respectively, front and back views of a picture hanger in accordance with a further aspect.
- FIG. 5 c is an enlarged portion of FIG. 5 a showing further detail of the picture hanger apparatus.
- the picture assembly (not shown) includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side.
- the picture assembly further includes a “picture hanging wire” comprising a wire, cord or bracket fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side.
- the hanger apparatus 100 comprises a body 102 defining a front side 104 and a back side 106 , both of which extend between a top edge 108 and a bottom edge 110 , and two spaced-apart lateral sides 112 that each extend between the front side and the back side.
- the front side 104 of the body 102 includes an upper portion 114 disposed adjacent to the top edge 108 of the body, a lower portion 116 disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and a middle portion 118 disposed therebetween.
- the back side 106 of the body 102 defines a backplane 120 for positioning against a wall 122 (shown in phantom), a vertical axis 124 extending along the backplane between the top edge 108 and the bottom edge 110 of the body, and a horizontal axis 126 extending along the backplane between the two lateral sides 112 of the body.
- the body 102 further defines at least one hole 128 extending along a hole axis 130 (see FIG. 2 b ) from a first position 132 (see FIG. 2 b ) on the upper portion 114 of the front side 104 to a second position 134 (see FIG. 2 b ) on the back side 106 .
- two holes 128 are provided.
- Each hole 128 is configured to receive a nail 135 (shown in phantom) passing through the hanger 100 into the wall 122 to fasten the hanger to the wall.
- the hole axis 130 may be inclined toward the bottom edge 110 of the body 102 as the hole 128 extends from the front side 104 toward the back side 106 to form a first angle ⁇ 1 (see FIG.
- the first angle ⁇ 1 when viewed in the horizontal direction, is within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees.
- the first angle ⁇ 1 directs the nail 135 to enter the wall 122 at a similar angle, and thereby biases the hanger 100 that is suspended by the nail to press against the wall 122 .
- the first angle ⁇ 1 between the hole axis 130 and the backplane 120 is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees.
- the first angle ⁇ 1 is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees.
- the first angle ⁇ 1 is about 45 degrees.
- the body 102 further defines a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots 136 .
- Each wire-receiving slot extends horizontally through both sidewalls 112 across the middle portion 118 of the front side 104 of the body.
- Each wire-receiving slot has a slot floor 142 disposed at the bottom thereof and a slot roof 143 disposed at the top thereof.
- Each wire-receiving slot 136 has a front side vertical width W F (i.e., the width of the slot's opening measured in the vertical direction between the slot floor 142 and the slot roof 143 ) that allows a picture hanging wire 140 (shown in phantom) of a desired thickness to be inserted into the slot from the front side 104 .
- the slot floor 142 of the wire-receiving slots 136 may be inclined toward the bottom edge 110 as the slot floor extends from the front side 104 toward the back side 106 such that a line 144 (see FIG. 2 b ) extending from the slot floor forms a second angle ⁇ 2 with the backplane 120 .
- the second angle ⁇ 2 when viewed in the horizontal direction, is within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees.
- the second angle ⁇ 2 biases any picture hanging wire 140 that is placed in the wire-receiving slot 136 to move towards the back of the slot (i.e. towards the back side 106 ) when the wire is pulled downward (i.e., towards the bottom edge 110 ) so that the wire remains in the slot.
- the second angle ⁇ 2 of the slot floor 142 is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the second angle ⁇ 2 is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the second angle ⁇ 2 is about 45 degrees.
- the hanger 100 has thirteen wire-receiving slots 136 . In other embodiments (not shown), the hanger 100 has at least eight wire-receiving slots 136 . In still other embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 3 a , 3 b , 4 a and 4 b ), the hanger 100 has at least four wire-receiving slots 136 . As further described below, the plurality of wire-receiving slots 136 allows the picture hanging wire 140 to be repositioned (i.e., from slot to slot) to change the vertical position of the hanging picture without requiring the hanger 100 to be vertically repositioned.
- wire-receiving slots 136 provide finer adjustment (i.e., smaller increments) in successive vertical positions for the picture hanging wire, and thus for the picture suspended therefrom. Increasing the overall distance between the uppermost and lowermost wire-receiving slots 136 provides a greater amount (i.e., larger distance) of overall vertical adjustment from the highest vertical position to the lowest vertical position.
- the hanger apparatus 100 further comprises a bubble level 146 (see FIGS. 2 b and 2 c ) mounted on the body 102 parallel to the horizontal axis 126 so as to indicate the orientation of the body.
- the bubble level 146 can be used to ensure the horizontal axis 126 of the body is oriented horizontally (with reference to gravity) when the nails 135 are driven into the wall 122 .
- the body 102 further defines a front-facing rectangular recess 148 in the lower portion 116 of the front side 104 , the rectangular recess being sized to receive the bubble level 146 therein.
- the bubble level 146 is not illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the body 102 of the hanger 100 further defines a rear-facing recess 150 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 b and 3 b ) in the back side 106 that extends forward of the backplane 120 .
- the rear-facing recess 150 may be sized to receive one or more nails 135 lying flat within the recess, thereby allowing convenient storage of the nails (e.g., during store display of the product) within the overall dimensions of the hanger.
- the upper portion 114 of the front side 104 is configured to define an upper surface plane 152 that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the hole axis 130 of the at least one hole 128 extending through the body 102 .
- the upper surface plane 152 is oriented at about 90 degrees with respect to the nail hole 128 and the hole axis 130 , and at about 45 degrees with respect to the backplane 120 .
- the angled upper portion 114 allows each nail 135 to be conveniently driven into the wall 122 , and may prevent the head of the nail from protruding into the back side of the picture suspended from the hanger.
- each slot floor 142 of the slots 136 has a front edge 154 disposed at the front side 104 .
- the front edges 154 of the slot floors 142 collectively define a front plane 156 of the body 102 that is inclined away from the backplane 120 from top to bottom so as to form a third angle ⁇ 3 (see FIG. 3 b ) with the backplane.
- the third angle ⁇ 3 results in the front edge 154 of each successively lower slot 136 extending further frontward than the previous slot, thereby facilitating the repositioning of the picture hanging wire 140 from one slot to another when the hanger 100 is hidden from the user's view by the picture being hung.
- the third angle ⁇ 3 between the front plane 156 and the backplane 120 is, when viewed in the horizontal direction, within the range of 1.0 degrees to 3.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the third angle ⁇ 3 is within the range of 1.5 degrees to 2.0 degrees.
- the body 102 of the hanger apparatus 100 may be formed by molding, e.g., injection molding, or die casting.
- the body 102 is formed of an injectable plastic material.
- the body 102 is formed of a polypropylene plastic material that is injection molded.
- the body 102 may be formed of a die-castable metal or metal alloy.
- the body 102 is formed of a zinc alloy that is die cast.
- FIGS. 2 a , 2 b and 2 c there are shown, respectively, top, side and front views of a preferred embodiment of the picture hanger of FIG. 1 .
- the picture hanger 100 of FIG. 1 is not shown to scale
- the picture hanger 200 of FIGS. 2 a , 2 b and 2 c is shown to scale, and selected dimensions (in inches) are provided.
- the features of the hanger 200 are substantially similar (with the exception of dimensions) to those of the hanger 100 ; therefore identical reference numbers are used to identify such features.
- the hanger 200 of this embodiment is a single, molded piece of plastic material having overall dimensions of 4.5 inches ⁇ 1.75 inches.
- the hanger 200 is also tapered back to front, top to bottom as follows: 0.25 inches at the bottom of the upper portion 114 (i.e., below the inclined surface 152 ) tapered out to 0.38 inches at the bottom portion 116 .
- the hanger 200 has a plurality of slots 136 cut across its face at 0.25 inch increments. The slots 136 are angled at 45 degrees to the backplane 120 and are 0.2 inches in depth (measured from the front side 104 or front plane 156 toward the back 106 ).
- the top of the upper front portion 114 of the hanger 200 has a surface plane 152 angled at 45 degrees from the backplane 120 .
- the top, front end 114 contains two nail holes 128 that are perpendicular to the front end surface plane 152 that pass completely through the hanger 200 .
- a cavity 148 is molded into the lower front surface 116 of the hanger 200 to allow a bubble level 146 or leveling measure to be inserted.
- a cavity 150 on the rear surface 106 of the hanger 200 just above the level 146 allows for the storage of nails 135 to be used in the hanging process.
- FIGS. 3 a and 3 b there is illustrated a hanger apparatus for hanging a picture assembly on a wall in accordance with another aspect.
- FIG. 3 a provides a front perspective view of the hanger and
- FIG. 3 b provides a rear prospective view.
- the picture hanger 300 of FIGS. 3 a and 3 b is similar to the hangers 100 and 200 previously described, therefore identical reference number are used to identify substantially similar features. However, the picture hanger 300 provides only four wire-receiving slots 136 , and the proportions of selected features are changed.
- FIGS. 4 a and 4 b there are shown, respectively, front and side views of a preferred embodiment of the picture hanger of FIGS. 3 a and 3 b .
- the picture hanger 300 of FIGS. 3 a and 3 b is not shown to scale
- the picture hanger 400 of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b is shown to scale, and selected dimensions (in millimeters) are provided.
- the features of the hanger 400 are substantially similar (with the exception of dimensions) to those of the hanger 300 ; therefore identical reference number are used to identify such features.
- the hanger 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 allows a user to quickly and easily hang pictures or art on the wall 122 at the desired vertical height and horizontal location without needing to relocate, touch or adjust the hanger. Described generally, use of the hanger is as follows: First, the user chooses the approximate location desired to hang the picture or art. Next, the user nails the hanger in place on the wall 122 , optionally utilizing the built-in level 146 .
- the hanging mechanism 140 on the back of the picture/art i.e., usually a wire or bracket
- the wire/bracket is moved up and down the hanger allowing the wire/bracket to engage the device along a variable height spectrum (e.g., spanning about 2 inches in the case of hanger 200 ) created by the slots 136 in the front of the hanger.
- the picture/art can also be adjusted horizontally (e.g., by 1 inch or more in the case of hanger 200 ) by sliding the picture/art to the side with the wire/bracket 140 still engaged with the desired height slot 136 of the hanger.
- the user To hang another picture or piece of art in substantial alignment with the first, the user simply levels and attaches another hanger 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 at the approximate height and horizontal location relative to the first piece and repeats the moving up or down, sliding left or right process from the first time.
- the pictures/art can be easily, exactly aligned.
- the hanger may be fastened to a wall 122 using a nail or nails 135 passing through the hole or holes 128 and driven into the wall.
- the hanger apparatus includes a bubble level 146 , then the bubble level may be used to orient the hanger so that the horizontal axis 126 is parallel to the external horizontal plane (defined by gravity) before fastening the nails 135 into the wall 122 , thereby ensuring that the wire-receiving slots 136 will also be oriented parallel to the external horizontal plane.
- a picture hanging wire 140 attached to a picture may be inserted into one of the wire-receiving slots 136 by moving the picture hanging wire into the slot from the front side 104 .
- downward tension on the wire e.g., caused by the weight of the suspended picture
- the wire will move downward and rearward along the slot floor 142 until the wire rests securely against the back wall 158 of the slot.
- the picture assembly may be vertically repositioned using the following steps: a) the picture hanging wire 140 is moved forward past the front edge 154 of the current slot 136 within which the wire is disposed; b) the picture hanging wire is moved vertically up or down (as necessary) until aligned with a new, vertically higher or lower, wire-receiving slot; c) the picture hanging wire is moved rearward past the front edge of the new slot; and d) the picture is allowed to hang from the picture hanging wire to determine a new vertical hanging position.
- steps a)-d may be repeated.
- the picture assembly may be horizontally repositioned by moving the picture hanging wire 140 laterally along the current slot 136 within which the wire is disposed. Since the hanger is biased against the wall 122 by the weight of the suspended picture acting along the inclined nail 135 , considerable friction is present between the wall and the hanger to resist movement of the hanger. Because of this friction, and because the slot 136 is relatively wide in the horizontal direction, the slot floor 142 of the slot supports the picture hanging wire 140 so as to provide a (twisting) moment that may prevent the tilting of the picture when the picture hanging wire is moved horizontally within the slot. It will be appreciated that the hanger 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 itself is not horizontally repositioned during the previously described step; only the picture hanging wire 140 and the picture suspended therefrom are horizontally repositioned.
- FIGS. 5 a , 5 b and 5 c there is illustrated a picture hanger apparatus in accordance with a further aspect, wherein FIG. 5 a is a front view of a picture hanger apparatus 500 and FIG. 5 b is a rear view of same.
- the hanger apparatus 500 has many features substantially similar to those of the hanger apparatus 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 previously described in connection with of FIGS. 1 and 2 a - 2 c , 3 a - 3 b and 4 a - 4 b , therefore identical reference numbers are used to identify such features.
- the hanger apparatus 500 comprises a body 102 defining a front side 104 and a back side 106 , both of which extend between a top edge 108 and a bottom edge 110 , and two spaced-apart lateral sides 112 that each extend between the front side and the back side.
- the front side 104 of the body 102 includes an upper portion 114 disposed adjacent to the top edge 108 of the body, a lower portion 116 disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and a middle portion 118 disposed therebetween.
- the back side 106 of the body 102 defines a backplane 120 ( FIG.
- a wall i.e., the wall from which the picture will hang
- a vertical axis 124 extending along the backplane between the top edge 108 and the bottom edge 110 of the body
- a horizontal axis 126 extending along the backplane between the two lateral sides 112 of the body.
- the body 102 of the hanger apparatus 500 may define at least one angled hole 528 extending along a hole axis 130 ( FIG. 2 b ) from a first position on the upper portion 114 of the front side 104 to a second position on the back side 106 .
- two angled holes 528 are provided.
- Each angled hole 528 is configured to receive a nail 135 ( FIG. 1 ) passing through the hanger apparatus 500 into the wall to fasten the hanger apparatus to the wall.
- the hole axis 130 may be inclined toward the bottom edge 110 of the body 102 as the angled hole 528 extends from the front side 104 toward the back side 106 to form a first angle ⁇ 1 with the backplane 120 .
- the first angle ⁇ 1 when viewed in the horizontal direction, is within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees.
- the first angle ⁇ 1 directs the nail 135 to enter the wall at a similar angle, and thereby biases the hanger apparatus 500 that is suspended by the nail to press against the wall.
- the first angle ⁇ 1 between the hole axis 130 and the backplane 120 is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees.
- the first angle ⁇ 1 is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees.
- the first angle ⁇ 1 is about 45 degrees.
- the body 102 of the hanger apparatus 500 may further define at least one perpendicular mounting hole 529 extending through the body from the front side 104 to the back side 106 .
- the perpendicular mounting hole 529 is typically formed “straight through” the body 120 along an axis perpendicular to the backplane 120 (i.e., forming an angle between the hole axis and the backplane of 90 degrees).
- the perpendicular mounting hole 529 may be used to mount the hanger apparatus 500 to a wall using a nail, the preferred use of the mounting hole 529 is to accept a screw or similar fastener extending substantially perpendicular into/from the wall, or from a wall anchor installed in the wall.
- the front side of the perpendicular mounting hole 529 has a conical opening to accommodate the head of a countersunk style screw, however, in other embodiments the mounting hole 529 may have straight sides.
- the body 102 of the hanger apparatus 500 further defines a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots 136 .
- Each wire-receiving slot 136 extends horizontally through both sidewalls 112 across the middle portion 118 of the front side 104 of the body.
- Each wire-receiving slot has a slot floor 142 disposed at the bottom thereof and a slot roof 143 disposed at the top thereof (see FIG. 2 b ).
- Each wire-receiving slot 136 has a front side vertical width W F (i.e., the width of the slot's opening measured in the vertical direction between the slot floor 142 and the slot roof 143 ) that allows a picture hanging wire of a desired thickness to be inserted into the slot from the front side 104 .
- W F a front side vertical width
- the ends of the wire receiving slots 136 may be locally widened by forming angled cuts 537 on the front surface 104 of the body at the lower corner of each slot 136 .
- the angled cuts 537 form an angle ⁇ 4 with an extension of the horizontal portion of the slot floor 142 forming the lower boundary of the slot 136 (see FIG. 5 c ).
- the angle ⁇ 4 is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees.
- the angle ⁇ 4 is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees.
- the angle ⁇ 4 is about 45 degrees.
- the hanger apparatus 500 has eight wire-receiving slots 136 . In other embodiments, the hanger apparatus 500 has from four to thirteen wire-receiving slots 136 . In still other embodiments, the hanger apparatus 500 may have fourteen or more wire-receiving slots 136 .
- the hanger apparatus 500 further comprises a bubble level 146 mounted on the body 102 parallel to the horizontal axis 126 so as to indicate the orientation of the body.
- the bubble level 146 can be used to ensure the horizontal axis 126 of the body is oriented horizontally (with reference to gravity) when the nails 135 are driven into the wall.
- the bubble level 146 can be used to ensure the horizontal axis 126 of the body is oriented horizontally when the screw fastener is tightened to affix the hanger apparatus 500 against the wall.
- the back side 106 of the hanger apparatus 500 includes a rear-facing recess 150 sized to receive one or more nails 135 lying flat within the recess.
- the back side 106 may further include relief areas 530 , 531 , 532 and 533 , wherein the material of the body 102 is recessed (i.e., when viewed from the back side) to a position well in front of the backplane 120 .
- the relief areas are formed behind forward-projecting features on the front surface 104 of the hanger apparatus.
- the relief features 530 are formed directly behind the solid areas on the front face 104 between the wire-receiving slots 136 .
- the relief areas 530 , 531 , 532 and 533 may serve to improve the moldability of the hanger apparatus 500 by providing a more uniform thickness of material, to reduce material usage and/or to reduce weight.
- the non-relieved areas 534 , 535 , 536 (i.e., those extending to the backplane 120 ) provide structural strength to the hanger apparatus 500 and a flat contact area for pressing the hanger apparatus against the wall.
- the number and configuration of the relief areas 530 , 531 , 532 , 533 may vary from one embodiment of the hanger apparatus 500 to another.
- the body 102 of the hanger apparatus 500 may be formed by molding, e.g., injection molding, or die casting.
- the body 102 is formed of an injectable plastic material.
- the body 102 is formed of an injectable fiber-reinforced plastic material.
- the body 102 is formed of a fiberglass reinforced plastic (“FRP”) that is injection molded.
- FRP fiberglass reinforced plastic
- the body 102 is formed of a polypropylene plastic material that is injection molded.
- the body 102 may be formed of a die-castable metal or metal alloy.
- the body 102 is formed of a zinc alloy that is die cast.
Landscapes
- Mirrors, Picture Frames, Photograph Stands, And Related Fastening Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A hanger apparatus includes a body having front and back sides both extending between top and bottom edges, and two spaced-apart lateral sides. The back side defines a backplane for positioning against a wall. The body has a hole inclined toward the bottom edge from the front toward the back to form a first angle θ1 within 15° to 75°. The body further defines a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots, each extending horizontally through both sidewalls across the middle portion of the front side and having a front side vertical width sized to allow picture hanging wire to be inserted into the slot from the front side. The wire-receiving slots further have a lower slot edge that is inclined toward the bottom edge extending from the front side toward the back side forming a second angle θ2 within 15° to 75°.
Description
- This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/102,923, filed Jan. 13, 2015, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The following disclosure relates to apparatus for hanging a picture or similar object on a wall and methods of using same, and in particular, to apparatus for hanging an object suspended by a wire or cord fastened to the object and extending across at least a portion of the back side of the object.
- It is well known to hang a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or other similar object (referred to collectively herein as a “picture”) on a wall by attaching a wire or cord (typically called “picture hanging wire”) across the back side of the picture, and then draping the picture hanging wire across a single conventional nail or single conventional picture hook fastened to the wall. One of several problems may occur when using such conventional picture hanging systems.
- First, slack and/or elasticity in the picture hanging wire (required for stable hanging) may result in the picture hanging on the wall at a vertical position that is not the desired vertical position. To remedy this situation, the conventional nail or picture hook must be removed from the wall and refastened at a new position estimated to produce the desired vertical position for the picture. Each change of position for the nail/hook leaves an unsightly hole in the wall that must be repaired. In addition, if the change of position of the nail/hook on the wall is not correctly estimated, then the picture will still not hang at the desired vertical position. The nail/hook removal and refastening procedure must then be repeated again and again until the desired vertical position of the picture is achieved.
- Alternatively, instead of repositioning the nail/hook, the length of the picture hanging wire can be changed (i.e., to increase/decrease the amount of slack) to change the vertical position of the hanging picture. Typically, however, it is very difficult to properly estimate how much length must be added or subtracted to the picture hanging wire to provide a desired vertical change. Thus, multiple changes to the length of the picture hanging wire are often required. A need therefore exists, for a picture hanger apparatus that allows the vertical position of a picture suspended from a picture hanging wire to be changed without changing the vertical position of the hanger apparatus on the wall or adjusting the length of the picture hanging wire.
- Second, when hanging a picture by means of picture hanging wire draped across a single conventional nail or picture hook, the horizontal position of the picture typically cannot be changed by a significant amount without the picture tilting (i.e., not maintaining the desired orientation). To remedy this situation, the conventional nail or picture hook must be removed from the wall and refastened at a new position estimated to produce the desired horizontal position for the picture. As previously described, each change of position for the nail/hook takes time and leaves an unsightly hole in the wall that must be repaired.
- Alternatively, instead of repositioning the nail/hook on the wall, a second nail or picture hook may be fastened to the wall a short horizontal distance from the first nail/hook, and the picture hanging wire draped across both nails/hooks. Although using two nail/hooks will allow the horizontal position of the picture to be moved a short distance without tilting, it greatly complicates the task of adjusting the vertical position, if necessary. A need therefore exists, for a picture hanger apparatus that allows the horizontal position of a picture suspended from a picture hanging wire to be changed a short distance without changing the horizontal position of the hanger apparatus on the wall or requiring the use of two hanger apparatus for the same picture.
- In one aspect, a hanger apparatus is provided for hanging a picture assembly on a wall, wherein the picture assembly includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side and a picture hanging wire fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side. The hanger apparatus comprises a body defining a front side and a back side that both extend between a top edge and a bottom edge, and two spaced-apart lateral sides that each extend between the front side and the back side. The front side of the body includes an upper portion disposed adjacent to the top edge of the body, a lower portion disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and a middle portion disposed therebetween. The back side of the body defines a backplane for positioning against a wall, a vertical axis extending along the backplane between the top edge and the bottom edge of the body, and a horizontal axis extending along the backplane between the two lateral sides of the body. The body further defines at least one hole extending along a hole axis from a first position on the upper portion of the front side to a second position on the back side, the hole axis being inclined toward the bottom edge as the hole axis extends from the front side toward the back side to form a first angle θ1 with the backplane, the first angle θ1, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees. The body further defines a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots, each wire-receiving slot extending horizontally through both sidewalls across the middle portion of the front side of the body. Each wire-receiving slot further has a slot floor disposed at the bottom thereof and a slot roof disposed at the top thereof, the slot floor being inclined toward the bottom edge as the slot floor extends from the front side toward the back side such that a line extending from the slot floor forms a second angle θ2 with the backplane, the second angle θ2, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees. Each wire-receiving slot further has a front side vertical width measured vertically between the slot roof and the slot floor that is sized to allow a picture hanging wire to be inserted into the wire-receiving slot from the front side.
- In another aspect, a method for hanging a picture assembly on a wall is provided, wherein the picture assembly includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side and a picture hanging wire fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side. The method comprises the following steps. First, providing a hanger apparatus including a body with a plurality of horizontally oriented slots as described herein. Next, attaching the hanger apparatus to a wall using a nail passing from the front side along the hole axis through the hole and into the wall. Next, aligning at least a portion of the picture hanging wire of the picture assembly with a selected one of the plurality of wire-receiving slots of the hanger apparatus. Next, moving the aligned portion of the picture hanging wire of the picture assembly rearward into the selected one of the plurality of wire-receiving slots.
- Additional aspects are listed below:
- Basic design of multiple slots cut across the face of the device to allow easy height adjustability without moving, touching or adjusting device.
- Wide surface allows picture wire or bracket to slide horizontally to allow easy side-to-side adjustability.
- Built in level/leveling device to ensure level hang.
- Body tapered front to back, top to bottom to provide additional leverage and strength.
- Tapered top allows nail holes to be at optimum angle to ensure maximum strength.
- For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a picture hanger in accordance with one aspect; -
FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c are, respectively, top, side and front views of a preferred embodiment of the picture hanger ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 3a and 3b are, respectively, front and back perspective views of a picture hanger apparatus in accordance with another aspect; -
FIGS. 4a and 4b are, respectively, front and side views of a preferred embodiment of the picture hanger ofFIGS. 3a and 3 b; -
FIGS. 5a and 5b are, respectively, front and back views of a picture hanger in accordance with a further aspect; and -
FIG. 5c is an enlarged portion ofFIG. 5a showing further detail of the picture hanger apparatus. - Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout, the various views and embodiments of the picture hanger and methods of use are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations based on the following examples of possible embodiments.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a hanger apparatus for hanging a picture assembly on a wall in accordance with one aspect. The picture assembly (not shown) includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side. The picture assembly further includes a “picture hanging wire” comprising a wire, cord or bracket fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side. - The
hanger apparatus 100 comprises abody 102 defining afront side 104 and aback side 106, both of which extend between atop edge 108 and abottom edge 110, and two spaced-apartlateral sides 112 that each extend between the front side and the back side. Thefront side 104 of thebody 102 includes anupper portion 114 disposed adjacent to thetop edge 108 of the body, alower portion 116 disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and amiddle portion 118 disposed therebetween. Theback side 106 of thebody 102 defines abackplane 120 for positioning against a wall 122 (shown in phantom), avertical axis 124 extending along the backplane between thetop edge 108 and thebottom edge 110 of the body, and ahorizontal axis 126 extending along the backplane between the twolateral sides 112 of the body. - The
body 102 further defines at least onehole 128 extending along a hole axis 130 (seeFIG. 2b ) from a first position 132 (seeFIG. 2b ) on theupper portion 114 of thefront side 104 to a second position 134 (seeFIG. 2b ) on theback side 106. In the illustrated embodiment, twoholes 128 are provided. Eachhole 128 is configured to receive a nail 135 (shown in phantom) passing through thehanger 100 into thewall 122 to fasten the hanger to the wall. Thehole axis 130 may be inclined toward thebottom edge 110 of thebody 102 as thehole 128 extends from thefront side 104 toward theback side 106 to form a first angle θ1 (seeFIG. 2b ) with thebackplane 120. The first angle θ1, when viewed in the horizontal direction, is within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees. The first angle θ1 directs thenail 135 to enter thewall 122 at a similar angle, and thereby biases thehanger 100 that is suspended by the nail to press against thewall 122. In a preferred embodiment, the first angle θ1 between thehole axis 130 and thebackplane 120 is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the first angle θ1 is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the first angle θ1 is about 45 degrees. - The
body 102 further defines a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receivingslots 136. Each wire-receiving slot extends horizontally through bothsidewalls 112 across themiddle portion 118 of thefront side 104 of the body. Each wire-receiving slot has aslot floor 142 disposed at the bottom thereof and aslot roof 143 disposed at the top thereof. Each wire-receivingslot 136 has a front side vertical width WF (i.e., the width of the slot's opening measured in the vertical direction between theslot floor 142 and the slot roof 143) that allows a picture hanging wire 140 (shown in phantom) of a desired thickness to be inserted into the slot from thefront side 104. - The
slot floor 142 of the wire-receivingslots 136 may be inclined toward thebottom edge 110 as the slot floor extends from thefront side 104 toward theback side 106 such that a line 144 (seeFIG. 2b ) extending from the slot floor forms a second angle θ2 with thebackplane 120. The second angle θ2, when viewed in the horizontal direction, is within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees. The second angle θ2 biases anypicture hanging wire 140 that is placed in the wire-receivingslot 136 to move towards the back of the slot (i.e. towards the back side 106) when the wire is pulled downward (i.e., towards the bottom edge 110) so that the wire remains in the slot. In a preferred embodiment, the second angle θ2 of theslot floor 142 is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the second angle θ2 is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the second angle θ2 is about 45 degrees. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thehanger 100 has thirteen wire-receivingslots 136. In other embodiments (not shown), thehanger 100 has at least eight wire-receivingslots 136. In still other embodiments (e.g.,FIGS. 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b ), thehanger 100 has at least four wire-receivingslots 136. As further described below, the plurality of wire-receivingslots 136 allows thepicture hanging wire 140 to be repositioned (i.e., from slot to slot) to change the vertical position of the hanging picture without requiring thehanger 100 to be vertically repositioned. Increasing the number of wire-receivingslots 136 provides finer adjustment (i.e., smaller increments) in successive vertical positions for the picture hanging wire, and thus for the picture suspended therefrom. Increasing the overall distance between the uppermost and lowermost wire-receivingslots 136 provides a greater amount (i.e., larger distance) of overall vertical adjustment from the highest vertical position to the lowest vertical position. - In some embodiments, the
hanger apparatus 100 further comprises a bubble level 146 (seeFIGS. 2b and 2c ) mounted on thebody 102 parallel to thehorizontal axis 126 so as to indicate the orientation of the body. When thebody 102 includes two or more nail holes 128, thebubble level 146 can be used to ensure thehorizontal axis 126 of the body is oriented horizontally (with reference to gravity) when thenails 135 are driven into thewall 122. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , thebody 102 further defines a front-facingrectangular recess 148 in thelower portion 116 of thefront side 104, the rectangular recess being sized to receive thebubble level 146 therein. For purposes of clearly illustrating therecess 148, thebubble level 146 is not illustrated inFIG. 1 . - In some embodiments, the
body 102 of thehanger 100 further defines a rear-facing recess 150 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 2b and 3b ) in theback side 106 that extends forward of thebackplane 120. The rear-facingrecess 150 may be sized to receive one ormore nails 135 lying flat within the recess, thereby allowing convenient storage of the nails (e.g., during store display of the product) within the overall dimensions of the hanger. - In some embodiments, the
upper portion 114 of thefront side 104 is configured to define anupper surface plane 152 that is oriented substantially perpendicular to thehole axis 130 of the at least onehole 128 extending through thebody 102. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , theupper surface plane 152 is oriented at about 90 degrees with respect to thenail hole 128 and thehole axis 130, and at about 45 degrees with respect to thebackplane 120. The angledupper portion 114 allows eachnail 135 to be conveniently driven into thewall 122, and may prevent the head of the nail from protruding into the back side of the picture suspended from the hanger. - It will be appreciated that each
slot floor 142 of theslots 136 has afront edge 154 disposed at thefront side 104. In some embodiments, thefront edges 154 of theslot floors 142 collectively define afront plane 156 of thebody 102 that is inclined away from thebackplane 120 from top to bottom so as to form a third angle θ3 (seeFIG. 3b ) with the backplane. The third angle θ3 results in thefront edge 154 of each successivelylower slot 136 extending further frontward than the previous slot, thereby facilitating the repositioning of thepicture hanging wire 140 from one slot to another when thehanger 100 is hidden from the user's view by the picture being hung. In a preferred embodiment, the third angle θ3 between thefront plane 156 and thebackplane 120 is, when viewed in the horizontal direction, within the range of 1.0 degrees to 3.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the third angle θ3 is within the range of 1.5 degrees to 2.0 degrees. - The
body 102 of thehanger apparatus 100 may be formed by molding, e.g., injection molding, or die casting. In some embodiments, thebody 102 is formed of an injectable plastic material. In a preferred embodiment, thebody 102 is formed of a polypropylene plastic material that is injection molded. In other embodiments, thebody 102 may be formed of a die-castable metal or metal alloy. In a preferred embodiment, thebody 102 is formed of a zinc alloy that is die cast. - Referring now also to
FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c , there are shown, respectively, top, side and front views of a preferred embodiment of the picture hanger ofFIG. 1 . Whereas thepicture hanger 100 ofFIG. 1 is not shown to scale, thepicture hanger 200 ofFIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c is shown to scale, and selected dimensions (in inches) are provided. Unless otherwise noted, the features of thehanger 200 are substantially similar (with the exception of dimensions) to those of thehanger 100; therefore identical reference numbers are used to identify such features. - Referring still to
FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c , thehanger 200 of this embodiment is a single, molded piece of plastic material having overall dimensions of 4.5 inches×1.75 inches. Thehanger 200 is also tapered back to front, top to bottom as follows: 0.25 inches at the bottom of the upper portion 114 (i.e., below the inclined surface 152) tapered out to 0.38 inches at thebottom portion 116. Thehanger 200 has a plurality ofslots 136 cut across its face at 0.25 inch increments. Theslots 136 are angled at 45 degrees to thebackplane 120 and are 0.2 inches in depth (measured from thefront side 104 orfront plane 156 toward the back 106). The top of theupper front portion 114 of thehanger 200 has asurface plane 152 angled at 45 degrees from thebackplane 120. The top,front end 114 contains twonail holes 128 that are perpendicular to the frontend surface plane 152 that pass completely through thehanger 200. Acavity 148 is molded into the lowerfront surface 116 of thehanger 200 to allow abubble level 146 or leveling measure to be inserted. Acavity 150 on therear surface 106 of thehanger 200 just above thelevel 146 allows for the storage ofnails 135 to be used in the hanging process. - Referring now also to
FIGS. 3a and 3b , there is illustrated a hanger apparatus for hanging a picture assembly on a wall in accordance with another aspect.FIG. 3a provides a front perspective view of the hanger andFIG. 3b provides a rear prospective view. Thepicture hanger 300 ofFIGS. 3a and 3b is similar to thehangers picture hanger 300 provides only four wire-receivingslots 136, and the proportions of selected features are changed. - Referring now also to
FIGS. 4a and 4b , there are shown, respectively, front and side views of a preferred embodiment of the picture hanger ofFIGS. 3a and 3b . Whereas thepicture hanger 300 ofFIGS. 3a and 3b is not shown to scale, thepicture hanger 400 ofFIGS. 4a and 4b is shown to scale, and selected dimensions (in millimeters) are provided. Unless otherwise noted, the features of thehanger 400 are substantially similar (with the exception of dimensions) to those of thehanger 300; therefore identical reference number are used to identify such features. - Method of Use:
- The
hanger wall 122 at the desired vertical height and horizontal location without needing to relocate, touch or adjust the hanger. Described generally, use of the hanger is as follows: First, the user chooses the approximate location desired to hang the picture or art. Next, the user nails the hanger in place on thewall 122, optionally utilizing the built-inlevel 146. Next, thehanging mechanism 140 on the back of the picture/art (i.e., usually a wire or bracket) is moved up and down the hanger allowing the wire/bracket to engage the device along a variable height spectrum (e.g., spanning about 2 inches in the case of hanger 200) created by theslots 136 in the front of the hanger. The picture/art can also be adjusted horizontally (e.g., by 1 inch or more in the case of hanger 200) by sliding the picture/art to the side with the wire/bracket 140 still engaged with the desiredheight slot 136 of the hanger. - To hang another picture or piece of art in substantial alignment with the first, the user simply levels and attaches another
hanger - Describing the use of the
hanger apparatus wall 122 using a nail ornails 135 passing through the hole or holes 128 and driven into the wall. When the hanger apparatus includes abubble level 146, then the bubble level may be used to orient the hanger so that thehorizontal axis 126 is parallel to the external horizontal plane (defined by gravity) before fastening thenails 135 into thewall 122, thereby ensuring that the wire-receivingslots 136 will also be oriented parallel to the external horizontal plane. - After the
hanger wall 122 with thenails 135, then apicture hanging wire 140 attached to a picture may be inserted into one of the wire-receivingslots 136 by moving the picture hanging wire into the slot from thefront side 104. After thepicture hanging wire 140 is moved rearward past thefront edge 154 of theslot 136, then downward tension on the wire (e.g., caused by the weight of the suspended picture) will cause the wire to move downward and rearward along theslot floor 142 until the wire rests securely against theback wall 158 of the slot. - If the current vertical hanging position of a picture assembly suspended from the
hanger wall 122 is not the desired vertical hanging position, the picture assembly may be vertically repositioned using the following steps: a) thepicture hanging wire 140 is moved forward past thefront edge 154 of thecurrent slot 136 within which the wire is disposed; b) the picture hanging wire is moved vertically up or down (as necessary) until aligned with a new, vertically higher or lower, wire-receiving slot; c) the picture hanging wire is moved rearward past the front edge of the new slot; and d) the picture is allowed to hang from the picture hanging wire to determine a new vertical hanging position. It will be appreciated that thehanger picture hanging wire 140 and the picture suspended therefrom are vertically repositioned. Optionally, additional steps may be taken next, namely: e) the new vertical hanging position of the picture is compared to the desired vertical position; f) if the current vertical hanging position of the picture is not sufficiently close to the desired vertical position, then steps a)-d) may be repeated. - If the current horizontal hanging position of a picture assembly suspended from the
hanger wall 122 is not the desired horizontal hanging position, the picture assembly may be horizontally repositioned by moving thepicture hanging wire 140 laterally along thecurrent slot 136 within which the wire is disposed. Since the hanger is biased against thewall 122 by the weight of the suspended picture acting along theinclined nail 135, considerable friction is present between the wall and the hanger to resist movement of the hanger. Because of this friction, and because theslot 136 is relatively wide in the horizontal direction, theslot floor 142 of the slot supports thepicture hanging wire 140 so as to provide a (twisting) moment that may prevent the tilting of the picture when the picture hanging wire is moved horizontally within the slot. It will be appreciated that thehanger picture hanging wire 140 and the picture suspended therefrom are horizontally repositioned. - Additional Aspects:
- Referring now to
FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c , there is illustrated a picture hanger apparatus in accordance with a further aspect, whereinFIG. 5a is a front view of apicture hanger apparatus 500 andFIG. 5b is a rear view of same. Thehanger apparatus 500 has many features substantially similar to those of thehanger apparatus FIGS. 1 and 2 a-2 c, 3 a-3 b and 4 a-4 b, therefore identical reference numbers are used to identify such features. - Similar to the
hangers hanger apparatus 500 comprises abody 102 defining afront side 104 and aback side 106, both of which extend between atop edge 108 and abottom edge 110, and two spaced-apartlateral sides 112 that each extend between the front side and the back side. As best seen inFIG. 5a , thefront side 104 of thebody 102 includes anupper portion 114 disposed adjacent to thetop edge 108 of the body, alower portion 116 disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and amiddle portion 118 disposed therebetween. As best seen inFIG. 5b , theback side 106 of thebody 102 defines a backplane 120 (FIG. 2b ) for positioning against a wall (i.e., the wall from which the picture will hang), avertical axis 124 extending along the backplane between thetop edge 108 and thebottom edge 110 of the body, and ahorizontal axis 126 extending along the backplane between the twolateral sides 112 of the body. - The
body 102 of thehanger apparatus 500 may define at least oneangled hole 528 extending along a hole axis 130 (FIG. 2b ) from a first position on theupper portion 114 of thefront side 104 to a second position on theback side 106. In the illustrated embodiment, twoangled holes 528 are provided. Eachangled hole 528 is configured to receive a nail 135 (FIG. 1 ) passing through thehanger apparatus 500 into the wall to fasten the hanger apparatus to the wall. As best seen inFIG. 2b , thehole axis 130 may be inclined toward thebottom edge 110 of thebody 102 as theangled hole 528 extends from thefront side 104 toward theback side 106 to form a first angle θ1 with thebackplane 120. The first angle θ1, when viewed in the horizontal direction, is within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees. The first angle θ1 directs thenail 135 to enter the wall at a similar angle, and thereby biases thehanger apparatus 500 that is suspended by the nail to press against the wall. In a preferred embodiment, the first angle θ1 between thehole axis 130 and thebackplane 120 is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the first angle θ1 is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the first angle θ1 is about 45 degrees. - The
body 102 of thehanger apparatus 500 may further define at least oneperpendicular mounting hole 529 extending through the body from thefront side 104 to theback side 106. Unlike theangled holes 528, theperpendicular mounting hole 529 is typically formed “straight through” thebody 120 along an axis perpendicular to the backplane 120 (i.e., forming an angle between the hole axis and the backplane of 90 degrees). Although theperpendicular mounting hole 529 may be used to mount thehanger apparatus 500 to a wall using a nail, the preferred use of the mountinghole 529 is to accept a screw or similar fastener extending substantially perpendicular into/from the wall, or from a wall anchor installed in the wall. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side of theperpendicular mounting hole 529 has a conical opening to accommodate the head of a countersunk style screw, however, in other embodiments the mountinghole 529 may have straight sides. - As best seen in
FIGS. 5a and 5c , thebody 102 of thehanger apparatus 500 further defines a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receivingslots 136. Each wire-receivingslot 136 extends horizontally through bothsidewalls 112 across themiddle portion 118 of thefront side 104 of the body. Each wire-receiving slot has aslot floor 142 disposed at the bottom thereof and aslot roof 143 disposed at the top thereof (seeFIG. 2b ). Each wire-receivingslot 136 has a front side vertical width WF (i.e., the width of the slot's opening measured in the vertical direction between theslot floor 142 and the slot roof 143) that allows a picture hanging wire of a desired thickness to be inserted into the slot from thefront side 104. - As best seen in
FIG. 5c , the ends of thewire receiving slots 136 may be locally widened by formingangled cuts 537 on thefront surface 104 of the body at the lower corner of eachslot 136. Note that the local widening at theangled cuts 537 is excluded from calculation of the slot's front side vertical width WF previously described. Theangled cuts 537 form an angle θ4 with an extension of the horizontal portion of theslot floor 142 forming the lower boundary of the slot 136 (seeFIG. 5c ). In preferred embodiments, the angle θ4 is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ4 is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the angle θ4 is about 45 degrees. Providing theangled cuts 537 may reduce the tendency of the picture wire to “hang” or “get caught” at the corners of theslots 136 when moving the wire from one slot to another, thereby simplifying the picture-hanging operation. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 5a-5c , thehanger apparatus 500 has eight wire-receivingslots 136. In other embodiments, thehanger apparatus 500 has from four to thirteen wire-receivingslots 136. In still other embodiments, thehanger apparatus 500 may have fourteen or more wire-receivingslots 136. - In some embodiments, the
hanger apparatus 500 further comprises abubble level 146 mounted on thebody 102 parallel to thehorizontal axis 126 so as to indicate the orientation of the body. When thebody 102 includes two or moreangled holes 528, thebubble level 146 can be used to ensure thehorizontal axis 126 of the body is oriented horizontally (with reference to gravity) when thenails 135 are driven into the wall. Alternatively, when thebody 102 includes aperpendicular mounting hole 529, thebubble level 146 can be used to ensure thehorizontal axis 126 of the body is oriented horizontally when the screw fastener is tightened to affix thehanger apparatus 500 against the wall. - As best seen in
FIG. 5b , in the illustrated embodiment theback side 106 of thehanger apparatus 500 includes a rear-facingrecess 150 sized to receive one ormore nails 135 lying flat within the recess. Theback side 106 may further includerelief areas body 102 is recessed (i.e., when viewed from the back side) to a position well in front of thebackplane 120. Preferably, the relief areas are formed behind forward-projecting features on thefront surface 104 of the hanger apparatus. For example, in the illustrated example, the relief features 530 are formed directly behind the solid areas on thefront face 104 between the wire-receivingslots 136. Therelief areas hanger apparatus 500 by providing a more uniform thickness of material, to reduce material usage and/or to reduce weight. Thenon-relieved areas hanger apparatus 500 and a flat contact area for pressing the hanger apparatus against the wall. The number and configuration of therelief areas hanger apparatus 500 to another. - The
body 102 of thehanger apparatus 500 may be formed by molding, e.g., injection molding, or die casting. In some embodiments, thebody 102 is formed of an injectable plastic material. In other embodiments, thebody 102 is formed of an injectable fiber-reinforced plastic material. In one preferred embodiment, thebody 102 is formed of a fiberglass reinforced plastic (“FRP”) that is injection molded. In another preferred embodiment, thebody 102 is formed of a polypropylene plastic material that is injection molded. In other embodiments, thebody 102 may be formed of a die-castable metal or metal alloy. In yet another preferred embodiment, thebody 102 is formed of a zinc alloy that is die cast. - Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
- It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that these picture hangers and the associated methods of use provide time saving, accurate and easy-to-use solutions for hanging pictures and other framed articles on walls. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.
Claims (12)
1. A hanger apparatus for hanging a picture assembly on a wall, wherein the picture assembly includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side and a picture hanging wire fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side, the hanger apparatus comprising:
a body defining a front side and a back side that both extend between a top edge and a bottom edge, and two spaced-apart lateral sides that each extend between the front side and the back side;
the front side of the body including an upper portion disposed adjacent to the top edge of the body, a lower portion disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and a middle portion disposed therebetween;
the back side of the body defining a backplane for positioning against a wall, a vertical axis extending along the backplane between the top edge and the bottom edge of the body, and a horizontal axis extending along the backplane between the two lateral sides of the body;
the body further defining at least one hole extending along a hole axis from a first position on the upper portion of the front side to a second position on the back side, the hole axis being inclined toward the bottom edge as the hole axis extends from the front side toward the back side to form a first angle θ1 with the backplane, the first angle θ1, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees;
the body further defining a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots, each wire-receiving slot extending horizontally through both sidewalls across the middle portion of the front side of the body;
each wire-receiving slot further having a slot floor disposed at the bottom thereof and a slot roof disposed at the top thereof, the slot floor being inclined toward the bottom edge as the slot floor extends from the front side toward the back side such that a line extending from the slot floor forms a second angle θ2 with the backplane, the second angle θ2, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees;
each wire-receiving slot further having a front side vertical width measured vertically between the slot roof and the slot floor that is sized to allow a picture hanging wire to be inserted into the wire-receiving slot from the front side.
2. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the body defines at least four wire-receiving slots.
3. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the body defines at least eight wire-receiving slots.
4. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the first angle first angle θ1 between the hole axis and the backplane is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees and the second angle θ2 between the slot floor and the backplane is within the range of 40 degrees to 50.
5. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 4 , wherein the first angle first angle θ1 is about 45 degrees and the second angle θ2 is about 45 degrees.
6. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a bubble level mounted on the body parallel to the horizontal axis so as to indicate the orientation of the body.
7. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 6 , wherein the front side of the body further defines a rectangular recess in the lower portion, the rectangular recess being sized to receive the bubble level therein.
8. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the upper portion of the front side defines an upper surface plane oriented substantially perpendicular to the hole axis of the at least one hole extending therethrough.
9. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 1 , wherein:
each slot floor has a front edge on the front side thereof;
the slot floor front edges collectively define a front plane of the body; and
the front plane being inclined away from the backplane from top to bottom so as to form a third angle θ3 with the backplane, the third angle θ3, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 1.0 degrees to 3.0 degrees with the backplane.
10. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 9 , wherein third angle θ3 is within the range of 1.5 degrees to 2.0 degrees.
11. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the back side of the body further defines a rectangular nail recess, the rectangular recess being sized to receive at least one nail for hanging the hanger apparatus.
12. A method for hanging a picture assembly on a wall, wherein the picture assembly includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side and a picture hanging wire fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side, the method comprising the following steps:
providing a hanger apparatus comprising a body defining a front side and a back side that both extend between a top edge and a bottom edge, and two spaced-apart lateral sides that each extend between the front side and the back side;
the front side of the body including an upper portion disposed adjacent to the top edge of the body, a lower portion disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and a middle portion disposed therebetween;
the back side of the body defining a backplane for positioning against a wall, a vertical axis extending along the backplane between the top edge and the bottom edge of the body, and a horizontal axis extending along the backplane between the two lateral sides of the body;
the body further defining at least one hole extending along a hole axis from a first position on the upper portion of the front side to a second position on the back side, the hole axis being inclined toward the bottom edge as the hole axis extends from the front side toward the back side to form a first angle θ1 with the backplane, the first angle θ1, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees;
the body further defining a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots, each wire-receiving slot extending horizontally through both sidewalls across the middle portion of the front side of the body;
each wire-receiving slot further having a slot floor disposed at the bottom thereof and a slot roof disposed at the top thereof, the slot floor being inclined toward the bottom edge as the slot floor extends from the front side toward the back side such that a line extending from the slot floor forms a second angle θ2 with the backplane, the second angle θ2, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees;
each wire-receiving slot further having a front side vertical width measured vertically between the slot roof and the slot floor that is sized to allow a picture hanging wire to be inserted into the wire-receiving slot from the front side;
attaching the hanger apparatus to a wall using a nail passing from the front side along the hole axis through the hole and into the wall;
aligning at least a portion of the picture hanging wire of the picture assembly with a selected one of the plurality of wire-receiving slots of the hanger apparatus; and
moving the aligned portion of the picture hanging wire of the picture assembly rearward into the selected one of the plurality of wire-receiving slots.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/994,345 US20160198871A1 (en) | 2015-01-13 | 2016-01-13 | Picture hanger and methods of use |
US29/595,813 USD826035S1 (en) | 2015-01-13 | 2017-03-02 | Picture hanger |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562102923P | 2015-01-13 | 2015-01-13 | |
US14/994,345 US20160198871A1 (en) | 2015-01-13 | 2016-01-13 | Picture hanger and methods of use |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US29/595,813 Continuation USD826035S1 (en) | 2015-01-13 | 2017-03-02 | Picture hanger |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160198871A1 true US20160198871A1 (en) | 2016-07-14 |
Family
ID=56366583
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/994,345 Abandoned US20160198871A1 (en) | 2015-01-13 | 2016-01-13 | Picture hanger and methods of use |
US29/595,813 Active USD826035S1 (en) | 2015-01-13 | 2017-03-02 | Picture hanger |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US29/595,813 Active USD826035S1 (en) | 2015-01-13 | 2017-03-02 | Picture hanger |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20160198871A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180073549A1 (en) * | 2016-09-13 | 2018-03-15 | Melanie Cogburn | Wall Hook |
EP3531879A4 (en) * | 2016-10-27 | 2020-10-28 | Klug, Jonathan Alon | Hanging device |
US20220240695A1 (en) * | 2020-09-04 | 2022-08-04 | Slipco, Llc | Multi-position adjustable fastener |
US11547223B1 (en) | 2019-11-04 | 2023-01-10 | H-Ventures, LLC | Apparatus and methods for hanging objects on a vertical surface |
USD1025762S1 (en) * | 2023-10-02 | 2024-05-07 | Shenzhen Yuanshixin Trade Co., Ltd. | Picture hanging tool |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3360229A (en) * | 1965-12-03 | 1967-12-26 | Gerhard R Beyer | Hanger for picture and mirror frames |
US3945599A (en) * | 1973-06-08 | 1976-03-23 | Level-Line Products | Picture hook |
US5303895A (en) * | 1992-01-14 | 1994-04-19 | Hart Hoyt E | Apparatuses and methods for hanging frames |
US5758858A (en) * | 1996-03-15 | 1998-06-02 | Barnes; Renny H. | Paralleling device and method of using |
US7216841B2 (en) * | 2002-11-01 | 2007-05-15 | Dodig Jr John M | Method and apparatus for hanging pictures and other wall objects |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US427462A (en) * | 1890-05-06 | Shelf-bracket | ||
GB1188743A (en) * | 1968-07-02 | 1970-04-22 | Joseph Chak-Fai Chiu | Constructional Systems for Shelving. |
US4821882A (en) * | 1988-04-05 | 1989-04-18 | Messina Eugene C | Insulated receptacle device for cassettes |
DE29519081U1 (en) * | 1995-12-01 | 1996-02-01 | Knoblauch Georg | Cassette for jigsaw blades |
USD517318S1 (en) * | 2004-06-08 | 2006-03-21 | Tim Ruybal | Storage container for packaged collectible items |
USD782285S1 (en) * | 2014-09-21 | 2017-03-28 | How They Hangin's | Adjustable wall mounting system |
USD769699S1 (en) * | 2014-09-21 | 2016-10-25 | How They Hangin's | Adjustable wall mounting system |
-
2016
- 2016-01-13 US US14/994,345 patent/US20160198871A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2017
- 2017-03-02 US US29/595,813 patent/USD826035S1/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3360229A (en) * | 1965-12-03 | 1967-12-26 | Gerhard R Beyer | Hanger for picture and mirror frames |
US3945599A (en) * | 1973-06-08 | 1976-03-23 | Level-Line Products | Picture hook |
US5303895A (en) * | 1992-01-14 | 1994-04-19 | Hart Hoyt E | Apparatuses and methods for hanging frames |
US5758858A (en) * | 1996-03-15 | 1998-06-02 | Barnes; Renny H. | Paralleling device and method of using |
US7216841B2 (en) * | 2002-11-01 | 2007-05-15 | Dodig Jr John M | Method and apparatus for hanging pictures and other wall objects |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180073549A1 (en) * | 2016-09-13 | 2018-03-15 | Melanie Cogburn | Wall Hook |
EP3531879A4 (en) * | 2016-10-27 | 2020-10-28 | Klug, Jonathan Alon | Hanging device |
US11547223B1 (en) | 2019-11-04 | 2023-01-10 | H-Ventures, LLC | Apparatus and methods for hanging objects on a vertical surface |
US20220240695A1 (en) * | 2020-09-04 | 2022-08-04 | Slipco, Llc | Multi-position adjustable fastener |
USD1025762S1 (en) * | 2023-10-02 | 2024-05-07 | Shenzhen Yuanshixin Trade Co., Ltd. | Picture hanging tool |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
USD826035S1 (en) | 2018-08-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20160198871A1 (en) | Picture hanger and methods of use | |
US8899541B2 (en) | Adjustable fastener | |
US7686273B2 (en) | Method and device for an adjustable hanger | |
US7798463B2 (en) | Adjustable hanging device | |
US8701901B2 (en) | Shelving system and components | |
US20060249645A1 (en) | Adjustable wall hanger for pictures and the like | |
CA2954958C (en) | Picture frame hanger | |
US10876682B2 (en) | Wall mountable support | |
US10070740B2 (en) | Adjustable fastener | |
US10900239B1 (en) | System for mounting wall panels to an existing wall | |
US20150060627A1 (en) | Frame hanger system | |
US8028429B2 (en) | Apparatus for hanging objects | |
US20140299562A1 (en) | Holding device | |
EP2941151B1 (en) | Apparatus for hanging an article | |
US8807502B2 (en) | Adjustable fastener | |
US8925148B2 (en) | Rod brackets and related systems and methods | |
US6832446B1 (en) | Self-leveling & convertable pictures | |
US20220287482A1 (en) | Bump resistant hanger for hanging objects on a wall | |
US20160278549A1 (en) | Slideable Picture Hook Assembly | |
US20220125223A1 (en) | Picture frame hanger | |
US20210140467A1 (en) | Wall Hooks | |
GB2417200A (en) | A hanger for a picture, mirror or the like | |
KR101573891B1 (en) | Bracket for mounting a product | |
JP2000070056A (en) | Installation structure of hanging shelf | |
JP2007054429A (en) | Fixing structure of upper closet unit |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |